on
roles of general faculty. They were introduced by incoming council
Chairwoman Lotta

Lofgren,
who also praised Lynda White, outgoing chairwoman, for her dedication
to the group.

White
explained that the council grew out of a committee within the
Women Faculty and Professional Association that monitored development
of a compensation plan for general faculty. The effort grew to
embrace additional responsibilities, including internal communications
and representing the groups interests to the administration.

Defining
and identifying general faculty was an issue then and remains
one today. Sandridge said the roles of general faculty have evolved
greatly since the mid-1980s and now range from teaching and research
to maintaining facilities and managing financial operations.

Sandridge
also discussed state budget cuts and recent tuition increases
approved by the Board of Visitors. Block talked about diversity
initiatives, particularly recruiting and retaining minority faculty,
curriculum upgrades and key positions to be filled in his office.

Prue
Thorner, assistant to the vice
president for research and graduate studies, asked Blocks
opinion on the affirmative action case before the U.S. Supreme
Court. Block said hes hoping for a good outcome, one that
will allow us to continue doing what were doing, he
said.

Angela
M. Davis, associate dean
of students, asked what strategies are being developed in
hiring and retention of minorities, including the vacancies in
Blocks office.

Block
said he has worked with Karen Holt, director of Equal
Opportunity Programs, on those specific positions, and he
described how envisioning sessions have addressed
the issue in general. Overall, he said, he wants more in-depth
training for search committees and to make sure the University
is offering the right incentives to attract and keep people.